UK weather news today: Storm Larissa will bring 40cm of snow and freezing winds of 50mph

Storm Larissa is set to bring “treacherous conditions” to the UK on Thursday night and Friday morning, with winds of 50mph and up to 40cm of snow forecast in some areas.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said the storm, which has been named by the French Met Office, is bringing rain and snow to the UK.

“Storm Larissa, which Meteo France named, is the same low pressure system that brings us the rain bands,” he said.

The Met Office has issued five new snow warnings across London and the South East, South West England, East Midlands and East Anglia.

It has also issued new alerts across Wales and the Strathclyde region of Scotland.

Snow and ice warnings are in effect from 4 a.m. Friday until 10 p.m.

The Met Office said: “Periods of rain are likely to change to snow from the north-west, continuing east and south into Friday morning, easing as they do.”

The AA has warned drivers in the north of England to be alert for worsening weather.

It has said drivers should consider whether journeys made today are necessary as snow and ice continue to sweep across much of the UK.

The yellow snow warning has been extended by the Met Office today, with the AA warning of conditions on motorways and roads leading to Liverpool, Sheffield, Bradford and Leeds.

The AA has advised those who must travel to take care.

As parts of the UK are set for another dose of snow overnight – with up to 40cm expected in the Lake District – here’s a picture of the UK’s Arctic blast.

The dogs donned bright coats and knitted hats as they braved the snow to be crowned best in show at Crufts.

The annual Crufts dog show, which takes place between March 9 and 12 this year, has welcomed back a host of animals to the ring, all vying to take home the win.

In a bid to impress the judges, the furry contestants turned up at the event in their best outfits.

A dog was wearing a bright yellow knit hat, as well as a red and blue fleece, in a snowy setting.

Others opted for bright jackets, with a Pyrenean mountain dog in an extra-thick purple and red number meant to keep the wearer warm.

A Samoyed dog named Felicity appeared to be perfecting the winner’s pose as she sheltered from the snow under a rainbow umbrella.

A pink onesie, zebra print top and a beige Burberry scarf were some of the other outfits the dogs stood out in.

Snowstorms are set to affect large parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland on Thursday after the coldest March temperature in more than a decade was recorded on Wednesday night – minus 16C at Altnaharra in the Highlands.

The Met Office has issued a weather update for Thursday afternoon, with rain and snow continuing to sweep through.

It has warned of strong easterly winds and localized blizzards, warning that further travel disruption remains possible.

Snow and ice are expected to affect train services in many parts of Britain until Friday March 10, National Rail has announced.

Passengers are advised to check that their full journey is feasible before travelling.

On Thursday, heavy snow is expected to spread south from Glasgow to parts of England, including Manchester.

Joanna Whitehead has the full story:

If you’re a dog owner, you know that walking is the best time of the day for your dog – apart from meals, of course.

The frigid weather may make some dog owners think twice about going out with their furry friends, but walks are still important for dogs to keep fit, stretch their legs and burn off excess energy.

So how do you know when it’s too cold to walk your dog and what you should do to keep him warm?

Eleanor Noyce has the details: